Semaglutide effectively lowered HbA1c levels by nearly 0.5% and facilitated an average weight loss of 20 pounds over 30 weeks in a study involving 154 schizophrenia patients on second-generation antipsychotics. A significant 81% of participants on semaglutide achieved HbA1c levels below the prediabetes threshold, compared to just 19% on placebo, with improvements noted in cholesterol levels and physical quality-of-life without worsening psychiatric symptoms. Conducted from January 2022 to May 2024 in Denmark, the trial sheds light on the potential for semaglutide in treating obesity-related metabolic concerns in psychiatric populations. Limitations included the trial's duration and exclusion of diabetic patients, suggesting a need for further investigation into long-term effects.

Source: JAMA Psychiatry